Wound Care

When skin glue has been used

Why has my wound been glued?

Your wound has been assessed and was suitable to be closed with a special medical glue. The glue will not need to be removed.

How should I care for the wound?

• The wound should be kept clean and dry for 5 days.  If it does get wet, pat it dry with a tissue or piece of kitchen towel.
• After this time it is fine to wash the area, including the hair if the wound is on the head.
• It is important that you do not pick at the glue.
• The glue will form part of the scab which will come away when the wound has healed.

What happens if the wound reopens?

This should only happen if the glue is picked or accidentally knocked out. Don’t worry, come back to the Emergency Department and we will reassess the wound.

What are the signs of infection?

If the wound becomes painful, red or swollen, or if pus comes out, contact your GP or the Emergency Department.

When stitches have been used

Why has my wound been stitched?

Your wound was assessed as being too deep to be closed securely with glue or steristrips. The cut will be held together by the stitches until it has healed. The stitches will then need to be removed.

How should I care for the wound?

• If a dressing has been applied to the wound, it is important to keep it clean and dry. A wet dressing may delay the healing process.
• A dressing may not always be required, for example on the face or scalp. It is still important that the wound be kept clean and not picked.
• If the stitches are on the face a regular dab of Vaseline can help healing.

What are the signs of infection?

If the wound becomes painful, red or swollen, or if pus comes out, contact your GP or the Emergency Department.

How long do the stitches need to stay in for?

You should be advised at your appointment how long your stitches need to stay in for. Removing your stitches can be done by your GP or your practice nurse in your local Health Centre – you may need an appointment. Removing the stitches should be quick and painless.

When steristrips have been used

What are steristrips?

They are small sticky strips which act by holding the edges of the wound together while it heals.

Why hasn’t the wound been stitched?

The wound has been assessed and is suitable to be closed with steristrips. It will look better when it has healed because there will be no stitch holes.

How should I care for the wound?

• The wound should be kept clean and dry. If it does get wet, pat it dry with a tissue or piece of kitchen towel.
• If your child has a dressing over the steristrips which gets wet, it is important to remove this and pat the wound dry leaving the steristrips in place.

How long do steristrips have to stay in place?

You should be advised at your appointment how long your steristrips will stay in place.

How do I remove the steristrips?

• The steristrips can be removed by gently peeling them off at each end, going towards the middle of the wound.
• It is important to remove any reinforcing steristrips first.
• The steristrips can be loosened by moistening them with water.

What are the signs of infection?

If the wound becomes painful, red or swollen, or if pus comes out, contact your GP or the Emergency Department.

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